Cancer is a group of diseases that is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth leading to invasion of surrounding tissues that spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can begin anywhere in the body and is usually related to one or more genetic mutations that allow normal cells to become malignant by interfering with internal cellular control mechanisms, such as programmed cell death or by preventing repair of DNA damage.
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2

No:
Darker but not black. Black stool can be from blood entering and mixing in the stool high up in the GI tract notably stomach and duodenum. Black can also be from iron pills and high iron intake in consuming a lot of high iron meals like spinach and green leafys.
East to rule out blood with a simple smear at the doctors office. that's my advice.
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3

Assoc, not cause:
Dietary habits that can lead to constipation (low fiber, low intake of whole grains, legumes, fruits and veggies, high fat), can be associated (statistically in populations) with increased rates of colon and rectal cancer. Fiber supplements, vitamin supplements don't help out, diet does. There are other causes for constipation. Discuss with your doc; see a dietician if needed..
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5

Maybe:
If having bleeding you should be checked for colon cancer or other problems that can cause bleeding. However you could have colon cancer without any visible signs of bleeding. If you are hi risk, get screened!
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6

Colitis and colon ca:
High. Pancolitis confers a 5- to 15-fold increase in risk for colon ca development compared to that in the general population. If a dysplastic mass or lesion occur, colectomy is needed. Also early colon cancer screening should be instituted for someone with ulcerative pancolitis.
The lifetime incidence of crc at average risk is about 5%.
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7

Depends:
Did it grow directly into the small bowel or spread as a metastasis? In one or in many places? Was it just diagnosed or is it a late recurrence? Any previous chemo? What's the patient's general health? The patient's oncologist should be able to weigh all the options and come up with a treatment plan. If this is about you, best wishes.
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8

No:
Although there doesn't appear to be a direct link between diverticular disease and colon or rectal cancer, diverticular disease may make cancer more difficult to diagnose. And rarely, what appears to be diverticulitis may be colon cancer. Because of this, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy after you've recovered from a bout of diverticulitis.
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10

No – but what's up?:
And narrowed caliber of stool can be commonly associated with colon carcinoma in any age group. It relates to the relative constriction of the rectum prior to evacuation. Other conditions include rectal stenosis, a sizable rectal polyp, or other conditions serving to narrow and constricted the normal sized stool. Best let a gastroenterologist evaluate you by colonoscopy and anoscopy.
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12

1-3%:
Approx 20% of patients >50 years old have adenomatous polyps (potentially precancerrous).The vast majority of colon polyps are benign, but if they remain in the colon for a long time(>10 years) they have the potential to progress to a cancer.Both benign and cancerous polyps can cause blood y stools all patients with blood with bm should be examined.
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13

Here are few thought:
Colon Cancer is often a silent disease in its early stages. That is why a colonoscopy examination is advised at the age of 50 years.Some people will present with rectal bleeding(Blood in the stools). Abdominal pain and anemia related symptoms(fatigue) can also be a signal of colon cancer. Stool tests(2 of them) are also available through your PCP.
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14

Any change.:
Any change in stool caliber warrants investigation. If one's stool has changed in size (narrow), to any degree, a colonoscopy is warranted. This could be an early sign of colon caner.
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16

Probably not:
Ibs probably does not lead to colon or rectal cancer. Certainly, no studies have found this. However, some of the symptoms of ibs, particularly ibs with constipation, may delay diagnosis of colon and rectal cancer. It may be harder to notice a change in bowel habits when your bowel habits change from day to day.
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17

Grows into intestine:
Metastatic cancers can spread to the intestine or the area right next to it. It can grow into the intestine and cause an obstruction, or it can cause scarring that twists the intestine can causes this problem.
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18

Yes!:
Most colon Cancers may not show up in or effect your stool till it is late and quite advanced(enough to narrow or block the lumen of the colon. If there is sufficient risk of colon cancer, then Colonoscopy is the best way to check for Colon Cancer provided the person is 50 years or older( this is the age to begin screening for Colon cancer in an asymptomatic person).
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19

Colon ca mets:
To live is hard to treat because many times the metastasis is on multiple lobe of the liver and cannot be surgically removed. Surgeon only do surgery with the intention of cure if they can remove the metastasis completely. If surgery is not possible you should still consider chemotherapy. The quality of life is still pretty good even if not cured.
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23

No!:
But it's not a good idea! when your body sends you the signal that is time to move her bowels, you should listen. It's really pretty smart. Obviously, one cannot always get to a bathroom when we get that signal. But if you do, go move your bowels. Your colon, rectum, and especially the hemorrhoidal veins will thank you (prevent hemorrhoids!)
good luck!
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25

Any change.:
Any change in stool caliber warrants investigation. If one's stool has changed in size (narrow), to any degree, a colonoscopy is warranted. This could be an early sign of colon caner.
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27

Usually occult...:
It is usually not "red"-ily visible until late in the disease. Then it can be dark or bright, depending on rate of loss and location of leakage, as tends to darken with more time in GI tract. Also may be associated with narrowed caliber of stool. If concerned, see dr for fecal blood testing & if positive, referral for colonoscopy.
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28

Family history?:
Hard stool may cause streaking with blood. Take fiberlaxative and drink plenty of water to avoid hard stools. Unless a close relative of yours had colon cancer before the age of 50, I would not be too concerned about colon cancer. When you turn 50 that would be time to get a colonoscopy.
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31

Unlikely:
A diagnosis of cancer of the intestines at 23 yr of age is very unusual. If you are constipated and there is larger piece of stool blocking passage of stool, this may cause thinner stools. Try to have more fiber in your diet and stay hydrated.
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33

Um:
Colon cancer could be but not the first thing to consider. You could have urinary issues, stones, infection, irritable bowel. I would see your doctor for a full history and physical. Good luck
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34

Here are some...:
Seeing various amount of mucus coated on stool is common and not clinically significant as long as having no blood, moving bowel regularly, and living a healthy active vibrant life. More? Ask Doc timely. If still in doubt, follow instructions in http://formefirst.com/eNewsletter06.html.
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35

Fairly high risk:
CT scans are NOT good tools for looking inside the bowel. Endoscopy is the preferred tool, but a sigmoidoscopy, at its best, misses looking at half the colon. A look to merely 35 cm has missed about 85-90% of the colon. The usual method to evaluate the colon is a complete colonoscopy.
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36

Unlikely :
Best test would be a colonoscopy for your symptoms or at least a sigmoidoscopy. Usually if a colon cancer had symptoms a year ago those symptoms would have progressed over the ensuing 12 months and by now it would have been obvious by your symptoms and ct scan.
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38

Intermittent:
Bleeding form polyps is intermittent and depends on the size and type of polyp. That is why yearly testing is recommended. You may consult this site for information about blood in stool.
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/blood-in-stool#1
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form.
Practice safe sex.
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The colon is another term for the large intestine. This is the final portion of the digestive system, responsible for absorbing water and storing stool before evacuation. It is divided into sections described as cecum; ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colons; and rectum.
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